In today's knowledge society, knowing how to interpret, search, communicate and share new information are key skills for a successful citizen. Such skills, known as 21st century skills, include critical thinking, teamwork, communication, among others. Currently, there are several proposals on how to integrate the learning of these skills in basic education, including through the teaching of computing. Yet, based on the hypothesis that teaching computing can contribute to the learning of 21st century skills, there is few systematically evidence available to support this claim. One reason for this absence is the lack of 21st century skills assessment models. Thus, the objective of this article is to develop and evaluate a model for the assessment of 21st century skills in the context of teaching computing in basic education. Based on the results of a mapping study, the bASES21 model is systematically developed as well as its measurement instrument, a self-assessment questionnaire. An initial assessment in terms of reliability and validity of the measurement instrument, based on 148 responses from students in basic education, indicate a high internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.958). Results regarding the validity of the instrument were inconclusive. Even although some skills demonstrate internal correlation, an improvement opportunity is the possible re-classification of items based on a more detailed analysis with a larger sample. Thus, the bASES21 model represents a first step supporting the assessment of 21st century skills, aiming at the systematic improvement of teaching computing in basic education.
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